As the man gazed at Billy, the student suddenly threw down his bat and, approaching Frank said:
"Put some one else in my place. I can't play."
"Why not?"
"Well, I don't want to. I—er—I've forgotten something I've got to do. Sorry, old man, but I can't play."
"All right. It's too bad, but it's only for fun anyhow. I'll get a substitute. Come out to-morrow."
"I will," promised Billy, and, as he mingled with the throng of spectators, Frank saw the man with the black beard edge up so as to get close to the student.
Suddenly Billy turned and looked the man full in the face. The latter seemed taken by surprise, and shifted quickly to one side. A moment later he turned away, and as he walked off Frank saw that he was lame, walking with a slight limp.
"Humph!" exclaimed the Racer boy. "That's strange. He's as mysterious as Billy himself. I wonder what all this means?"